NEW YORK, NY — State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-59) celebrated the passage of the New York State Senate’s One-House budget resolution highlighting key provisions that generate additional revenue by increasing taxes on the wealthiest corporations, and investing in New Yorkers by providing critical support for working families across the state, including Senate District 59.

The Senate proposal includes language based on Senator Gonzalez’s legislation (S9189) authorizing New York City to increase the City’s corporate tax rate on high-income businesses and corporations. These measures are estimated to raise $1.75 billion for New York City. Also included are several provisions to tax the rich and raise revenue statewide including a more progressive income tax and Senator Gonzalez’s legislation to tax non-essential helicopter rides (S1140A). These provisions would ensure the wealthiest corporations and billionaire class pay their fair share to support public services that benefit all New Yorkers.

“New Yorkers deserve an economy that asks the wealthiest corporations and individuals to pay their fair share so we can invest in basic services and address the needs of our communities,” said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez. “This Senate one-house budget resolution takes meaningful steps toward a more equitable economy while making forward-looking investments in healthcare, universal childcare, and food security that will assist New Yorkers now and prepare them for the future.”

The Senate One-House Budget includes several of Senator Gonzalez’s top funding and legislative priorities for this fiscal year, including a Gender Affirming Care Fund (S7924A), legislation to improve election security infrastructure (S8615), the AI Literacy Act (S7691), and $3.9 million in investments for District 59 organizations. 

The proposal for a $4 million Gender Affirming Care Fund would allow transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers to afford essential healthcare services that may be impacted by federal Medicaid rules barring gender affirming care reimbursements. Senator Gonzalez has been advocating to maintain access to this life-saving care, especially for minors, as hospitals like NYU Langone and Mount Sinai have stopped providing this care to their patients. 

As Chair of the Committee on Elections, Senator Gonzalez is dedicated to protecting the integrity of our local elections. The Senate One-House Budget includes Senator Gonzalez’s bill to create an Election Security Navigators program and allocates $1 million to assist local boards of elections with cyber and operational security. Actions at the Federal level are raising concerns about local elections administration, and this funding will assist in providing clarity and stability to protect our democratic institutions. 

The Senate One-House Budget also includes the AI Literacy Act to expand technology education. This bill would increase the access workers, students, and educators have to the tools they need to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape of artificial intelligence. By investing in AI literacy, New York can strengthen its position as a leader in tech innovation and workforce preparedness, ensuring historically underserved communities do not get left behind.

“As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our economy, we must make sure New Yorkers are prepared to lead in the industries of the future,” Gonzalez continued. “Investing in AI literacy ensures we can innovate and that our workforce remains competitive as these technologies are developed and used responsibly.”

Senator Gonzalez also highlighted additional priorities included in the Senate budget resolution, including:

• $200 million for the New York Power Authority for renewable energy investments
• $500 million in capital funding for NYCHA
• $25 million for a Jobs and Housing Pilot program to develop affordable housing and promote labor and apprenticeship participation in construction projects
• $15 million increase for Special Nutrition Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• $2 million in Green Affordability Pre-electrification (GAP) Fund to assist buildings transition to green energy
• $2.5 million in operational funding for Museum of the Moving Image
• $500,000 for Urban Upbound
• $300,000 in capital funding for Newtown Creek Alliance
• $200,000 for Solar One
• $100,000 for the Long Island City Coalition 
• $350,000 for the CUNY School of Law Burns Chair and 
• $300,000 for the CUNY CLEAR Clinic, which provides free legal representation and support for Muslim New Yorkers and other communities that are targeted by surveillance and overpolicing.

The Senate One-House budget resolution represents the chamber’s priorities as negotiations with the Assembly and Governor continue in the weeks ahead.

“Our work isn’t done yet,” Gonzalez said. “I will continue fighting to ensure this year’s enacted budget delivers the investments my constituents and all New Yorkers need and which reflects our values of dignity and economic justice.”

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